Cushion seat



Oct. 31, 1944- A. c. GRUNWALD CUSHION SEAT Filed March 4, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 frzvezzz or Alba/'2! Cfirunwald 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 I52 z er /L or 0.62 02 wald A. c. GRUNWALD CUSHION SEAT Filed March 4, 1940 Oct 31, 1944.

A l beri B) Oct. 31, 1944. c, GRUNWALD 2,361,370

CUSHION SEAT Filed March 4, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Wm M- 2/ 20a WHUH i i "I x l}; 29 a [w geriar'wzwald Patented Oct. 31, 1944 CUSHION SEAT Albert (J. Grunwald, River Forest, 111., assignor to Precision Metal Workers, Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois Application March 4, 1946, Serial No. 322,110

7 Claims.

The present invention relates generally to cushion seats adapted for use in various articles of furniture, and has particular reference to seats especially suitable for posture chairs.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a novel seat having a cushion supporting base which is rigid, sturdy and durable in construction and is neat and attractiv in appearance.

Another object is toprovide a new and improved seat having a metal base plate which is free of sharp exposed edges and projections so as to avoid any possibility of accidental injury to the user or the user's wearing apparel.

A further object is to provide a novel oneplece metal seat plate formed with integral stiffening and reenforcing means.

A more specific object is to provide a new and improved seat plate with an offset parallel edge flange defining a marginal groove on the underside adapted to receive and center the free edge of a removable seat cover.

A further object is to provide novel means which is adjustable and readily attachable and detachable to secure the edge of the seat cover to the seat plate in a taut condition.

Further objects and advantages will become apparent as the description proceeds.

In the accompanying drawings,

Figure 1 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a chair seat embodying the features of my invention.

Fig. 2 is a bottom view of the seat.

Fig. 3 is a front elevational view of the seat with a portion of the cover broken away to illustrate the cover fastening means.

Fi 4 is a fragmentar edge view on an enlarged scale of the seat partially in transverse section along the line 4-4 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view of the seat taken substantiall along the line 5-5 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of one of a wire for tensioning and fastening the seat cover in position.

Fig. 'l is a bottom view of the seat plate.

Fig. 8 is a rear edge view of the plate illustrated in Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary bottom view of a modifled form of the seat.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the invention in its broad aspects is. adapted for use in various articles of furniture, such, for example, as chairs, stools, seats and cushions. Certain of the features of the invention are especlally suitable for use in so-called posture chairs commonly employed in clerical omces and schools. The invention is therefore illustrated as embodied in a cushion seat of a posture chair.

The seat comprises a horizontal base plate ill of desired size and outline. Secured to the bottom of the plate Ill is a spider l I which is mounted on a vertical pedestal i2 extending upwardly from a leg base (not shown). A cushion or pad l3 of a suitable yieldable material, such, for earample, as sponge rubber, is positioned on the top of the base plate ill, and is enclosed and held in place by a seat cover II. The cover may also be made of any suitable material, such, for example, as fabric or leather, and is removably fastened at its edge to the underside of the seat plate in.

The seat plate Iii may be made of any suitable material having the required strength and rigidity, and preferably consists of a one-piece metal stamping which is comparatively light in weight and can be formed quickly and economically. Suitable embossments and structural shapes are formed in the plate Ill so as to impart added strength and rigidity, and to provide means advantageous to the attachment and assembly with the seat plate of other elements of the chair. In its preferred form, the plate Ill is provided with an upwardly offset parallel marginal flange l5 of substantial width. Hence, the plate Ill has a flat central area it which is depressed and connected to the flange it by a short vertical wall I1. Along the front edge and about the front rounded corners, the central depressed portion IB of the plate i0 is formed with a marginal depending rib ill. The structural shape defined about the plate ill provides a. strong marginal edge.

The resilient cushion it rests on and projects outwardly beyond the flange l5so that the free edge of the latter is physically insulated. It will be evident that the flange I5 and the connecting .wall IT define a marginal notch or groove I! about the underside of the plate ill. The free edge of the seat cover It extends underneath the flange l5 and is adapted to be drawn inwardly in the notch I9 and fastened in place so as to maintain the cover in a taut condition and to confine the cushion ill in position. To this end, the marginal edge of the cover It is formed with a hem 20, and a flexible cord or wire 21 is threaded therethrough. The cord 2" completely circumscribes the depressed portion ii of the plate l0. and the ends thereof intercross and project from the hem for attachment to the plate. The cord 2| may be of any desired character and is illustrated in Figs. 2 to 6 as a stranded metal wire. Secured respectively to the free ends of the wire 2| by means of sleeve clips 22 (Fig. 6) are two strong bent solid wire hooks 22. These hooks are adapted to be inserted selectively into different ones of two respective spaced series or sets of apertures 24 formed in the connecting wall I1. The apertures 24 may be located in any desired position, and in the form of Figs. 2, 4 and 6 are provided in the front wall of the rib It. The number and spacing of the apertures 24 in each set is optional and determines the range of adjustment of the cover fastening means to maintain the wire 2| under proper tension. In the present instance, there are four apertures 24 in each set. Initially, the wire 2| preferably is of such length that engagement of the hooks 23 into the first or adjacent apertures 24 of the two sets will secure the seat cover l4 tightly in position. Should the cover l4 stretch or become loose in use, either or both of the hooks 23 may be selectively advanced into succeeding apertures 24 in the series. With provision for an adequate range of adjustment, the seat cover l4 can always be maintained neat and trim throughout its life. The wall l1 limits the inward movement of the edge of the cover i4, and hence insures that the cover will always be approximately centered over the cushion I3. This is especially assured at the front edge and front corners of the plate ill by reason of the greater depth of the wall [1 along the rib Hi. It will also be evident that the hemmed edge of the cover i4, being seated in the notch i9, is less conspicuous and protected against undue wear.

As will be apparent from Figs. '7 and 5, the holes 24 also afford ventilation to the shallow space between the bottom of the cushion l3 and opposed upper face of the depressed central portion IS in the plate ID. This depression l6 underlies a major portion of the bottom of the cushion so that air is circulated through the holes 24 and over most of the bottom area. of the cushion. This ventilating circulation is increased by the alternate lowering of the cushion into the depression l6 and spring-back of the cushion incident to a person sitting on the chair and rising from it.

The central portion ii of the metal plate In is formed with two spaced outwardly pressed parallel ribs 25. These ribs are located substantially midway of the sides of the plate Ill and extend rearwardly substantially to the rear portion of the notch IS. The forward ends of the ribs 25 are formed with triangular enlargements terminating in outwardly spaced flat apertured depressed bosses 26 in the same horizontal plane. The ribs 25 serve to strengthen and stiffen the intermediate portion it of the plate against flexure. They also define integral guides on the underside of the plate It adapted slidably to receive a back support bar 21. This bar extends rearwardly beyond the seat and then upwardly to support a back rest (not shown).

The bottom surfaces oi the guides 25 are flat and define mounting pads for the spider II. In the present instance. the spider comprises two forwardly inclined diverging legs 28 and a rearwardly extending plate 28 integral with the vertical sleeve 20 in which the pedestal I2 is secured. The legs 22 are rigidly secured as by means 01' rivets to the bosses 26, and the plate 29 bridges the guides 25 and is similarly secured at its rear end to the latter. The guides 25 are of such height that they, in cooperation with the seat plate It and the top of the spider I I, define a slot or closed guideway II conforming closely to the transverse shape and dimensions of the back support bar 21 and therefore adapted to receive the end of the latter with a snug sliding fit.

To permit adjustment of the back support horizontally toward and from the seat, the lower end of the bar 21 in the slot 3| is formed with a longitudinal series of holes 22 adapted for selective engagement by a spring actuated releasable plunger 33 mounted on the spider I I. By reason of the foregoing construction, the back support bar 21 is confined without play flatly against the underside of the plate Hi. It will be evident that the rear edge of the cover i4, being located in the notch It in elevated relation to the bottom of the seat plate III, will not contact the back support bar 21 so that wear of the cover at this point is obviated.

The modified form of Fig. 9 is closely similar to the form of Figs. 1 to 8 and corresponding parts are therefore identified by the same reference numerals plus the letter a. In the modifled i'orm, the cord 2Ia instead of being stranded consists of a solid wire, and the ends of the wire are bent to form integral attachment hooks 23a. The two sets of apertures 24a are formed in the rear portion of the wall Ila respectively at opposite sides of the slot Ma. As a result, the proiecting ends of the wire 2: extend above the end of the back support bar 21 and are substantially concealed against observation from the front of the seat.

While the seat plate It has been disclosed as made of metal, it is to be understood that within the broad aspects of the invention it may be made of other material such as wood, plastic, or molded material.

The seat with the means for securing the plate to the seat support and for mounting the back support bar is disclosed and claimed in my copending divisional application Serial No. 486,371, flied May 10, 1943.

I claim as my invention:

1. A seat comprising, in combination, a horisontal metal base plate formed with an upwardly offset parallel marginal flange defining a notch about the perimeter, the intermediate portion of said plate being adapted for connection to seat supporting means, a cushion of yieldable material overlying said plate, a removable cover enclosing said cushion and having marginal edges extending downwardly and inwardly into said notch in underlying relation to said flange, a loop formed in and along said edges of said cover, the inner marginal wall of said notch being formed with two spaced longitudinal series of apertures, a flexible strand wire threaded through said loop and having its ends extending therefrom in intercrossed relation, and two bent metal hooks rigidly secured respectively to the ends of said wire and adapted respectively for selective engagement with the apertures of said sets to secure said edges of said cover tightly in position in said notch.

3. A seat comprising, in combination, a horizontal base plate formed with an upwardly oi!- set parallei marginal flange defining a notch about the perimeter, the intermediate portion of said plate being adapted for connection to seat supporting means, a cushion overlying said plate, a removable cover enclosing said cushion and and inwardly into said notch in underlying relation to said flange, a loop formed in and alonfl said edges of said cover, the inner marginal wall of said notch being formed with two spaced apertures, a wire'threaded through said loop and having its ends extending therefrom, and two bent hooks on the ends of said wire and adapted respectively for engagement with said apertures to,

secure said edges of said cover tightly in position in said notch.

3. A seat comprising, in combination, a horizontal metal base plate formed with an upwardly oiiset marginal flange defining a notch in the underside oi said plate about the perimeter, the intermediate portion of said plate being adapted for connection to a seat support, a cushion overlying said plate, a removable cover enclosing said cushion and having marginal edges extending downwardly and inwardly into said notch in underlying relation to said flange, the inner marginal wall of said notch being formed with two spaced longitudinal series of apertures, and a wire engaging the edges of said seat cover and having means on the ends respectively for selective detachable engagement with the apertures of said series to secure said edges of said cover tightly in position in said notch.

4. A seat comprising, in combination, a horizontal metal base plate formed with an upwardly oii'set marginal flange defining a notch in the underside of said plate about the perimeter, the intermediate portion of said plate being adapted for connection to a seat support, a cushion overlying said plate, a removable cover enclosing said cushion and having marginal edges extending downwardly and inwardly into said notch in underlying relation to said flange, the inner marginal wall of said notch at the rear of said plate being formed with two spaced longitudinal series of apertures, and a solid wire engaging the edges of said seat cover and having means on the ends respectively for selective detachable engagement with the apertures 01' said series to secur B l ses of said cover tightly in position in said notch.

5. A seat comprising. in combination, a horizontal metal base plate formed with an upwardly ofliet m fl fla ge defining a notch on the underside 01 said plate about the perimeter for receiving the marginal edges a cover, the portion of said plate circumscribed by said flange being depressed and being formed with a downwardly projecting rib along the front edge and about the front corners, a cushion overlying said plate, a removable cover enclosing said cushion and having marginal edges extending downwardly and inwardly into said notch in underlying relation to said flange, and means adjustably engaging said plate for securing said edges or said cover in said notch in substantially centered relation about said portion of said plate.

6. A seat comprising, in combination, a horizontal metal base plate formed with an upwardly oflset parallel marginal flange defining a notch about the perimeter, the intermediate portion of said plate being adapted for connection to seat supporting means, a cushion of yieldable material overlying said plate, a removable cover enclosing said cushion and having marginal edges extending downwardly and inwardly into said notch in underlying relation to said flange, a loop formed in and along said edges of said cover, the inner marginal wall of said notch being iormed with a plurality oi apertures spaced along a portion 01' said flange, a flexible draw cord threaded through said loop and two hooks on the ends of said cord and adapted respectively for selective engagement in said apertures to secure said edges of said cover tightly in position in said notch.

'1. A seat comprising, in combination, a horizontal base plate formed with an upwardly offset parallel marginal flange defining a notch about the perimeter, the intermediate portion of said plate being adapted for connection to seat supporting means, a cushion overlying said plate. a removable cover enclosing said cushion and having marginal edges extending downwardly and inwardly into said notch in underlying relation to said flange, a loop formed in and along said edges of said cover, the inner marginal wall of said notch being formed with a plurality oi apertures spaced along a portion or said flange, a flexible draw cord threaded through said loop and having its ends extending therei'rom, and means on said ends 01 said cord adapted respectively for selective detachable engagement with said apertures to secure said edges of said cover tightly in position in said notch.

ALBERT C. GRUNWALD.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent No. 2,361,570.

October 1, 191 1;.

ALBERT C GRUNWALD It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 1, first column, line M after the word "one' insert -end--;

page 2, second col- 7 mm, line 67, for the claim number "3" read --2--; and that the said Letter-s Patent should be read with this correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 27th day of March, A. D. 1915.

(Seal) Leslie Frazer Acting Commissioner of Patents.

tion to said flange, a loop formed in and alonfl said edges of said cover, the inner marginal wall of said notch being formed with two spaced apertures, a wire'threaded through said loop and having its ends extending therefrom, and two bent hooks on the ends of said wire and adapted respectively for engagement with said apertures to,

secure said edges of said cover tightly in position in said notch.

3. A seat comprising, in combination, a horizontal metal base plate formed with an upwardly oiiset marginal flange defining a notch in the underside oi said plate about the perimeter, the intermediate portion of said plate being adapted for connection to a seat support, a cushion overlying said plate, a removable cover enclosing said cushion and having marginal edges extending downwardly and inwardly into said notch in underlying relation to said flange, the inner marginal wall of said notch being formed with two spaced longitudinal series of apertures, and a wire engaging the edges of said seat cover and having means on the ends respectively for selective detachable engagement with the apertures of said series to secure said edges of said cover tightly in position in said notch.

4. A seat comprising, in combination, a horizontal metal base plate formed with an upwardly oii'set marginal flange defining a notch in the underside of said plate about the perimeter, the intermediate portion of said plate being adapted for connection to a seat support, a cushion overlying said plate, a removable cover enclosing said cushion and having marginal edges extending downwardly and inwardly into said notch in underlying relation to said flange, the inner marginal wall of said notch at the rear of said plate being formed with two spaced longitudinal series of apertures, and a solid wire engaging the edges of said seat cover and having means on the ends respectively for selective detachable engagement with the apertures 01' said series to secur B l ses of said cover tightly in position in said notch.

5. A seat comprising. in combination, a horizontal metal base plate formed with an upwardly ofliet m fl fla ge defining a notch on the underside 01 said plate about the perimeter for receiving the marginal edges a cover, the portion of said plate circumscribed by said flange being depressed and being formed with a downwardly projecting rib along the front edge and about the front corners, a cushion overlying said plate, a removable cover enclosing said cushion and having marginal edges extending downwardly and inwardly into said notch in underlying relation to said flange, and means adjustably engaging said plate for securing said edges or said cover in said notch in substantially centered relation about said portion of said plate.

6. A seat comprising, in combination, a horizontal metal base plate formed with an upwardly oflset parallel marginal flange defining a notch about the perimeter, the intermediate portion of said plate being adapted for connection to seat supporting means, a cushion of yieldable material overlying said plate, a removable cover enclosing said cushion and having marginal edges extending downwardly and inwardly into said notch in underlying relation to said flange, a loop formed in and along said edges of said cover, the inner marginal wall of said notch being iormed with a plurality oi apertures spaced along a portion 01' said flange, a flexible draw cord threaded through said loop and two hooks on the ends of said cord and adapted respectively for selective engagement in said apertures to secure said edges of said cover tightly in position in said notch.

'1. A seat comprising, in combination, a horizontal base plate formed with an upwardly offset parallel marginal flange defining a notch about the perimeter, the intermediate portion of said plate being adapted for connection to seat supporting means, a cushion overlying said plate. a removable cover enclosing said cushion and having marginal edges extending downwardly and inwardly into said notch in underlying relation to said flange, a loop formed in and along said edges of said cover, the inner marginal wall of said notch being formed with a plurality oi apertures spaced along a portion or said flange, a flexible draw cord threaded through said loop and having its ends extending therei'rom, and means on said ends 01 said cord adapted respectively for selective detachable engagement with said apertures to secure said edges of said cover tightly in position in said notch.

ALBERT C. GRUNWALD.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent No. 2,361,570.

October 1, 191 1;.

ALBERT C GRUNWALD It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 1, first column, line M after the word "one' insert -end--;

page 2, second col- 7 mm, line 67, for the claim number "3" read --2--; and that the said Letter-s Patent should be read with this correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 27th day of March, A. D. 1915.

(Seal) Leslie Frazer Acting Commissioner of Patents. 

